Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Roseanne hadn't experienced the rush of doing manual labor in forever.

Living with Murray for those years, she didn't have the maids waiting on hand and foot, but she steered clear of any heavy lifting. Even in the early days, when Murray's startup was getting off the ground when money was tight, they still had a cleaning lady come weekly for the house chores.

After finishing a can of paint, Roseanne stretched her aching back. Being pampered for years had made her soft. She went to the hallway, planning to bring in the rest of the paint.

But, in her haste, she knocked over the can. Though she acted quickly, a small spill still spread on her next-door neighbor's doorstep. She grabbed a mop instantly, but as she was halfway through cleaning, the previously shut door suddenly opened.

Their eyes met, and as she was about to apologize, she found herself face-to-face with a familiar person.

"You live here?"

"Owen?"

at

the mess at his feet, then back at her. "So,

a coincidence. "As

chosen to live there because it was close to the lab and university, making

The environment wasn't ideal for a young woman, not least because of the lack of

about the spill in the hallway. "Sorry about

to the trash by Owen's side as she headed downstairs. "I'm heading down. Let me take that out for you." Owen didn't refuse. In return, he fetched a folding

Roseanne smiled. "Thanks."

looked clean and orderly in no time. Later,

rubbed her shoulders, looking around. The warm glow of the lamps transformed the once-dingy space, making it feel brand new compared to

the bed, which smelled faintly of laundry detergent

afternoon were